Quitirrisí

Quitirrisí is the seventh district of the Mora canton, in the San José province of Costa Rica. This area is special because it includes the Huetar indigenous territory of Quitirrisí. Here, the traditions of the Huetar people are preserved.

One of the best places to visit in Quitirrisí is Rancho Biriteca. This cultural center helps people learn about the Huetar culture and their traditional crafts. Visitors can see and buy handmade items such as chests, hats, and hammocks made by the indigenous people. These items are sold in many stores in the district.

Toponomy

The district's name comes from the Huetar indigenous territory of Quitirrisí. It is named after two trees that grow there: Quitirrí (Lasianthaea friticosa), which blooms each year in the mountains, and Risí, another common local tree.

History

Quitirrisí became a district on September 11, 2014, through a special law called Law 9269. This law was confirmed a week later and included land from the Huetar people.

Huetar indigenous territory

The Huetar is one of twenty-four indigenous territories in Costa Rica. It became official in 1976 and was a small village in 1979. It is not part of the Colón or Tabarcia districts.

People here speak Spanish because the Huetar language is no longer used. Some make handmade items like baskets, but most work in nearby cities. Indigenous people own about 30% of the land in this area.

Geography

Quitirrisí covers an area of 26.69 km² and is 1,140 metres above sea level.

Demography

During the 2011 census, Quitirrisí was not yet established, so there were no official records until 2014. However, in the indigenous area, about 999 people identified as being from the indigenous Huetar group.

Villages

The area has several villages. These include San Juan, San Martín, Quebrada Honda, Cañas, and El Guaco.

Transport

Road transport

You can get to the district using these main roads:

• National Route 209

• National Route 239

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